While the Patriots-Buccaneers Super Bowl of our dreams didn’t even come close to happening, Algonquin students are still anticipating an exciting Super Bowl as the Cincinnati Bengals take on the Los Angeles Rams. 

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has taken the league by storm. Just two years ago, he was part of a historic LSU championship team. His rookie year in the NFL was cut short by an ACL injury, but now, he seeks to return to his winning ways as his #1 wide receiver from LSU, Ja’Marr Chase, remains by his side. Whether it’s his impressive story on the field or his swag off the field, Burrow seems to be the fan-favorite in this Super Bowl. This Bengals playoff run has been impressive, but to finish it off, they will have to take down a Los Angeles Rams team that is hungry for a title. 

The Rams have been spending loads of cash on this team for years, but the last time this team did make the Super Bowl, Sean McVay and the Rams were schooled by Patriots coach Bill Belichick and his defense. Since then, the Rams have rescued quarterback Matthew Stafford from a broken Lions system and made him a winner. After an 0-3 postseason record with the Lions, Stafford has yet to lose a playoff game in a Rams uniform. Stafford’s connection with Rams star receiver Cooper Kupp has been unbreakable, and he has recently connected well with veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who the Rams brought on midseason alongside veteran edge rusher Von Miller. 

Will Joe Burrow return to glory, or will the Rams’ roster construction finally pay off with a Super Bowl ring? Below, we have made our predictions and made our case for each team. 

Andrew’s Pick: Rams win 34-23

In almost all their close games this year, the Bengals have come out on top. However, none of their playoff opponents have had the star-studded defense that the Rams have. Running back Joe Mixon could have a hard time against a Rams defensive front led by three-time defensive player of the year Aaron Donald. I also expect Rams corner Jalen Ramsey, arguably the best corner in football, to shadow Chase, limiting Burrow’s favorite target. That alone will put limits on the Bengals unlike any other defense in these playoffs.

Meanwhile, I expect business as usual for Stafford and the Rams. This Bengals secondary is no match for Kupp in his breakout season. In addition, running back Cam Akers has made an incredible comeback from his preseason achilles injury. Look for him to shine against an inexperienced front seven. As long as Stafford is able to keep his turnover problems in check, this should be a comfortable victory for him. Thankfully, that has been the case for most of the playoffs, and I cannot see him having many issues staying out of trouble against Cincinnati. 

Yes, Burrow’s story is incredible, and he deserves a good amount of credit as a quarterback. However, when it comes down to it, the better quarterback usually wins the Super Bowl. This may be an unpopular opinion, but I still think Stafford is the better quarterback overall. He comes into this game with more experience, and I think he is better equipped to succeed under pressure and get himself and his many Super Bowl hungry teammates a ring.

Tucker’s Pick: Bengals win 31-28

While I anticipate a close matchup in Super Bowl 56, I believe the Bengals’ emerging superstar QB Joe Burrow will lead them to the victory in Sunday’s matchup. Burrow combines an unmistakable confidence with calm under pressure in the biggest moments, and this combination has taken Cincinnati this far in the playoffs; can it lead them to one more win? I think so.

Overall, I believe this game will be of the higher-scoring variety, as both offenses possess the personnel at the skill positions to overwhelm just about any defense. Just look at the wide receivers in this matchup: Cooper Kupp and Odell Beckham Jr. for the Rams, and Ja’Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins for the Bengals. That is five talented receivers, and five players who I think will all make their mark on Super Bowl 56.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is a great signal caller who has elevated both his and his teammates’ level of play. Los Angeles’ defense also has some of the best players in the league on that side of the ball, featuring superstars in defensive lineman Aaron Donald and pass-rusher Von Miller, as well as cornerback Jalen Ramsey. But, all things considered, I anticipate it will be Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals who will have the honor of raising the Vince Lombardi Trophy on Sunday night.